EMERGING RURAL ECONONOMY

There is a remarkable opportunity in rural Southern Maryland to create a thriving and sustainable economy.

A large portion of Southern Maryland is rural and beautiful. But rural lands provide more than scenic landscapes. They protect watersheds, prevent floods, filter the groundwater and provide habitats for wildlife.They also provide outdoor recreation for millions of people in the rapidly growing Richmond-DC-Baltimore urban corridor.

However, these valuable assets are being threatened by the encroachment of subdivisions, shopping centers, gasonline stations, big box stores and malls. Though hard to see on a daily basis, the cumaltive impact of this growth over time is exacting a devastating toll, including:

• Shrinking natural systems which serve as critical buffers for the rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

• Increased flow of contaminants into these watersheds.

• Disappearance of wildlife habitat.

• Increasingly congested roads and longer commuting times (increased gas consumption)

• Safety and educational resources overwhelmed by growth.

Strategic food resource: our open lands. One of the most serious impacts gets little attention. Some of the most valuable agricultural land in the world is being paved over. Our region not only has good soils, but is blessed with a long growing season and ample rainfall. And the value of the land for food will increase; here's why:

• Consumer demand for fresh, locally-grown food is on the rise.

• Energy prices will continue to rise. (We are back to $3++/gallon gas) Thus, the cost of transportation, refrigeration, freezing, and processing will all increase. Apples and vegetables from the west coast (or further) will grow increasingly expensive. The same applies to cut flowers and nursery stock.

• The Washington- Baltimore urban corridor is one of the fastest growing in the nation. The demand for food will increase.

These trends will offer enormous opportunities for small and large alike. Even families with five and ten acre lots are getting into the game. One of them, the Golden Leaf Farm, featured below, is producing some of the tastiest honey around and has just started a new vineyard.

Our next issue will feature the Jug Bay Market Garden (www.jugbaymarketgarden.com) now supplying seasonal locally grown produce to more than 70 families on a weekly basis.

Multiplier Effect. Nor is food production the only rural business opportunity with growth potential. There is the "multiplier effect" -- i.e. the renewal of agriculture boosts the need for equipment, greenhouses, seed, and all the other things that farmers need. We also expect partnerships to develop bewteen supermarkets and local growers. And what about a beautiful farmers market in the town of Upper Marlboro (lots of empty parking lots on Saturday).

Recreation represents another major activity for Maryland's rural lands. Southern Maryland is already horse country with a host of wonderful horse stables and riding camps ( we will feature some of these in weeks). but there are no country inns or country restraunts to speak of. Hardly anyone canoes or kayaks on the Patuxent River. What a shame not to take advantage of our beautiful river. DC has a bunch of "duck-mobile" companies (amphibious vehicles that go on roads and rivers). We could have on that goes from Upper Marlboro to the Eastern Shore or to Solomon's Island.

Sustainability. The growing opportunites described above are inherently sustainable; they can be managed ecologically and can help to ensure that our children and grandchildren will be able to use and enjoy the rich natural, cultural and economic treasures that our rural tiers offer.